In this podcast, Beyond Zero radio’s Anthony Daniele and Matt Grantham talk to Dr Genevieve Simpson from the University of WA (UWA), whose recent PhD research, suggests that electricity network operators may be ‘pushing back’ on additional grid-connected solar capacity – even if there aren’t explicit policies or regulations in place allowing them to do so. For example… network operators in Western Australia ‘push back’ on increasing penetration by increasing the cost and complexity of network connection applications, delaying the approval of network applications, making important information difficult to access and transferring network costs (for example network upgrades and generation management systems) to solar installers.

“The findings show that, while network operators have valid concerns around the impact that intermittent renewable energy generation could have on their grids, their apparently risk-averse nature and lack of communication with the local communities engenders a level of distrust in the community regarding utilities’ decision-making. These decisions appear to have delayed or prevented the installation of renewable energy systems, with consequences for the productivity of these regional communities, where energy costs can be prohibitive and energy supply unreliable.” Dr Genevieve Simpson is an honorary research fellow at UWA.
[Photo supplied by Genevieve Simpson]